M r . Jay. We were sent to promote gen l . good—to forget we belong to party— Reason first and then decide— This const[itution], the work of freemen, of patriots— it merits Candid attention.—though not to pin our faith— Consid n : This Cons n . consid[ere] d . by ten Conventions— The best men of every State—wise— objecti[on] s . but 11 Verdicts in its favour— though not full evidence—yet...
52To George Washington from John Jay, 4–8 July 1788 (Washington Papers)
I congratulate you my dear Sir! on the adoption of the constitution by Virginia. That Event has disappointed the Expectations of opposition here, which nevertheless continues pertinacious. The unanimity of the southern District, and their apparent Determination to continue under the wings of the union, operates powerfully on the minds of the opposite Party. The constitution constantly gains...
53From John Jay to George Washington, 4[–8] July 1788 (Jay Papers)
I congratulate you my dear Sir! on the Adoption of the Constitution by Virginia. That Event has disappointed the Expectations of Opposition here, which nevertheless continues pertinacious. The unanimity of the southern District, and their apparent Determination to continue under the Wings of the union operates powerfully on the Minds of the opposite Party. The Constitution constantly gains...
54From John Jay to Sarah Livingston Jay, 5 July 1788 (Jay Papers)
Col. W. S. Livingston who brought us the news of the adoption of the Constitution by Virginia, is about setting out—and I will not let him go without a few Lines for You— Yesterday was a Day of Festivity, and both the Parties united in celebrating it. Two Tables, but in different Houses were spread for the Convention— the two Parties mingled at each Table— and the Toasts, (of which each had...
55To John Adams from John Jay, 4 July 1788 (Adams Papers)
I congratulate you my dear Sir! most cordially on your Return to your native Country, and am greatly pleased with the Reception you have met with— You deserve well of your country, and I am happy to find that the acknowledgment of your Services is not left solely to Posterity. our convention is still sitting. The opposers of the Constitution have proposed many amendments. As yet we proceed...
56From John Jay to John Adams, 4 July 1788 (Jay Papers)
I congratulate you my dear Sir! most cordially on your Return to your native Country, and am greatly pleased with the Reception you have met with— You deserve well of your country, and I am happy to find that the acknowledgment of your Services is not left solely to Posterity. our Convention is still sitting. The opposers of the Constitution have proposed many amendments. As yet we proceed...
57From John Jay to Francis Corbin, 4 July 1788 (Jay Papers)
Two Days ago I had the pleasure of rec g your obliging Letter of the 16 th ., and this morning that of the 25 Ult. The accession of Virginia made an ^ was ^ is an Event most welcome to our Fœderalists, and it cannot fail to make a deep Impression on the other Party. Our Convention proceeds with singular Temper and Moderation. The opposition however ^still^ continues very inflexible, and to...
58Extracts from John McKesson’s Notes of Debates, 2 July 1788 (Jay Papers)
[ JJ details his objections to John Lansing’s amendment placing a limit on Congress’s power to borrow money “without the assent of two thirds of the members of both houses present.” JJ differentiates between the powers of the lower house in money matters and that of the Senate in treaty making. In case of war, “will it be wise to put it in the power of five Men to disarm the Continent.” News...
M r Jay Factions may prevail—as in Holland— this 1/3 may prevent a benef l . Loan— will promote wars— has been attended, with bad effects—in G. Britain— more important, to form this check, than under the confed n — ^[ in margin ] M r . Jay. in republics^ In Rep. govt s . sentiments under three divis[ion] s — suppose two contend g
60From John Jay to George Washington, [post 24 June 1788] (Jay Papers)
Your obliging Letter of the 8 Inst. found me at this Place— I thank you for the interesting Circumstances mentioned in it. The complection of our Convention is such as was expected— They have hitherto proceeded with Temper & moderation, but there is no Reason to think that either Party has made much Impression on the other. The Leaders in opposition seem to have more extensive views than their...
61Extract from Francis Childs’s Debates, 1 July 1788 (Jay Papers)
The hon. Mr. Jay rose, and said that he would confine himself to a few remarks, as the question had been pretty fully debated. He begun with a description of the general characteristics of a government proper for the United States. It had, he said, been justly laid down, that a government, which was to accomplish national purposes, should command the national resources. Here a question had...
62Extract from John McKesson’s Notes of Debates, 1 July 1788 (Jay Papers)
[ JJ resumes his analysis of the taxation amendment, avowing he can see “no possible impropriety in the general government having access to all the resources of the country.” ] M r . Jay So much said & so well said Shall add a few Hints The Mode Business is to consider the mode which will best secure their General Happiness & particular Happiness— These Gov ts . should be so constructed as not...
63To George Washington from John Jay, June 1788 (Washington Papers)
Your obliging Letter of the 8 Inst. found me at this Place—I thank you for the interesting Circumstances mentioned in it. The Complection of our Convention is such as was expected. They have hitherto proceeded with Temper & moderation, but there is no Reason to think that either Party has made much Impression on the other. The Leaders in opposition seem to have more extensive views than their...
64Extracts from John McKesson’s Notes of Debates, 30 June 1788 (Jay Papers)
[ JJ participates in the debate on Art. I, sec. 8, par. 1, setting forth the taxing powers of the federal government. John Williams’s proposed amendment of 26 June would prohibit Congress from laying an excise on goods of American manufacture and bar direct taxes without first levying a requisition on the states. JJ also insists on further discussion of concurrent jurisdiction in response to...
65From John Jay to Henry Remsen Jr., 27 June 1788 (Jay Papers)
I have had the Pleasure of rec gv . your Favor of the 18 Inst. with the news Papers. Let S r . John have the enclosed Letter without Delay. I leave it open for your Information, and that you may make a Copy to enter in the Book of Letters. Our Affairs here go on slowly but with more Temper than I expected. The Issue however appears so uncertain as that no very probable Conjectures respecting...
66From John Jay to John Vaughan, 27 June 1788 (Jay Papers)
I have considered the Hint suggested in your Letter of the my long, and I may say habitual respect for the Sentiments of D r . Franklin, at first inclined me to adopt them relative to the Subject in Question. Further Consideration induced me to suspect that he has estimated the Influence of my opinions beyond their Value— If the Reasoning in the Pamphlet you allude to is just, it will have...
67Extracts from Francis Childs’s Debates, 25 June 1788 (Jay Papers)
[Samuel Jones moves to amend Art. I, sec. 4, concerning the time, place, and manner of elections of Senators and Representatives. JJ defends the Constitutional provision giving Congress the power to make or alter regulations by the state legislatures and to “prevent the dissolution of the Union.”] The honorable Mr. Jay said that as far as he understood the ideas of the gentleman [Samuel...
68Extracts from John McKesson’s Notes of Debates, 25 June 1788 (Jay Papers)
M r . Jay— It does not appear that there is at present a Disposition to consider farther at present the Clause or Amendm t . But let it be considered that this Country if the Gov t . Organized will be under the Controul and direction of the national Gov t as the State Officers are under the Controul of the State Gov t — Should the State interfere in or regulate the Election of State officers—...
69Extract from Francis Childs’s Debates, 23 June 1788 (Jay Papers)
[Below is the initial convention speech by John Jay on Art. I, sec. 2, cl. 3, supporting the ratio of one representative to 30,000 persons. JJ stresses areas of agreement, such as the need for a strong, energetic federal government, and distinguishes between state and federal concerns.] The honorable Mr. Jay. I will make a few observations on this article, Mr. Chairman, though I am sensible it...
70Extract from John McKesson’s Notes of Debates, 23 June 1788 (Jay Papers)
M r . Jay— One or two Remarks have not been mentioned— It is agreed that a Strong energetic Fœderal Gov t . is necessary— Hence we are [to] believe that it believed such a Gov t . is practicable. Yet a Gent[leman] has given us to understand that a Strong energetic federal Gov t . extending so far as this does is impracticable and the Country inadequate for it— If this Gov t . must have the...
71From John Jay to Sarah Livingston Jay, 21 June 1788 (Jay Papers)
A Gentleman now in Town, and who will set out for New York in about an Hour, gives me an opportunity of writing you a few Lines. The Convention assembled with unusual Punctuality. There ^are^ not more than two Members, that I recollect, absent, and the ^House^ have entered on the Business with great assiduity & Regularity. As yet their Proceedings and Debates have been temperate, and...
72To Thomas Jefferson from John Jay, 9 June 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Since the Date of my last, Viz. the 16th. Ult : I have been honored with yours of the 13th. and 16th. March with the Papers which were enclosed with the last. They were immediately communicated to Congress, and the latter referred to a Committee, who not having as yet reported, it is not in my Power to say what Congress may probably think proper to do or order relative to the Subject of it....
The City and County of New York have elected me one of their Deputies to the State Convention, which is to meet on the 17 th . instant at Poughkeepsie to consider and decide on the proposed fœderal Constitution. If it be agreeable to Congress I will attend, if not I will decline the Appointment. Permit me therefore to request their Directions on the Subject. I have the Honor to be with great...
74To George Washington from John Jay, 29 May 1788 (Washington Papers)
I was two Days ago favored with yours of the 15th Instant. it gives me pleasure to find that the Probability of Virginias adopting the proposed Constitution rather encreases—such an Event would undoubtedly disarm the opposition. It appears by recent advices from Charleston that we may count on South Carolina, and the New Hampshire Delegates assure me that their State will come into the...
75From John Jay to George Washington, 29 May 1788 (Jay Papers)
I was two Days ago favored with yours of the 15 th . Instant—it gives me Pleasure to find that the Probability of Virginia’s adopting the proposed Constitution rather encreases—such an Event would undoubtedly disarm the opposition. It appears by recent advices from Charleston that we may count on South Carolina, and the New Hampshire Delegates assure me that their State will come into the...
76To Thomas Jefferson from John Jay, 16 May 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Office for Foreign Affairs [ New York ], 16 May 1788 . Since his last of 24 Apr. 1788, has received no letters from TJ, and there has been no event of importance “except the Accession of Maryland to the Number of the States which have adopted the proposed Constitution. Until that business is concluded I apprehend that our national Affairs will continue much at a Stand.” Barlow brings this and...
77To Alexander Hamilton from John Jay, 15 May 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Richard Laurence of Staten Island has complained to Congress, and to the King of Great Britain, that Judgments have been obtained and executed against him in certain Actions of Trespass, which he says were commenced and prosecuted in Violation of the Treaty of Peace. In these Actions I understand you was concerned for him, and as it is important that the Facts which concern the Merits of...
There was a time when a majority of the citizens of New-York were so opposed to lawyers as members of the legislature, that a single gentleman of that profession, though confessedly a man of abilities, and in other respects, of unimpeachable character, could not obtain a majority of suffrages, principally owing to the circumstance of his being of that profession. But the times are changed, and...
79To George Washington from John Jay, 24 April 1788 (Washington Papers)
It occurs to me that you would probably be glad to know when and in what manner the Letters you sent to me to be forwarded were sent on. The large Packet for the Marqs de la Fayette was committed to the Care of the french minister, who was so obliging as to take Charge of it. Those for Count de Rochambeau, Countess d’Essarts, Gen: Duplessis, Mesdames Van Winter Van Merken &c: Monsr de Bourden,...
80From John Jay to Thomas Jefferson, 24 April 1788 (Jay Papers)
Since the 3 Nov r last I have been honored with your Favors of the 19. 22 & 24 September—8. & 27 October. 3 & 7 Nov r . 21 & 31 Dec r —and 5 Feb y last— all of which have been laid before Congress; but they have given me no orders respecting the Subjects of them— The State of The State of my Health was for a long Time such as to oblige me to omit some good Opportunities of writing to You...
81To Thomas Jefferson from John Jay, 24 April 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Since the 3d. November last I have been honored with your Favors of the 19th. 22d. and 24th. September, 8th. and 27th October, 3d and 7th November, 21st and 31st December and 5th. February last—all of which have been laid before Congress; but they have given me no Orders respecting the Subjects of them. The State of my Health was for a long Time such as to oblige me to omit some good...
82To George Washington from John Jay, 20 April 1788 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 3d Ult. gave me great Pleasure, and I thank you for the friendly offers contained in it. Some Gentlemen here and in Jersey have it in Contemplation to form a Society to promote the Breeding of good Horses and mules—in that Case we will endeavour to introduce some Jennies, of which we have none at present, and send them to your Jack. The Constitution still continues to cause...
83From John Jay to George Washington, 20 April 1788 (Jay Papers)
Your favor of the 3 d . Ult. gave me great Pleasure, and I thank you for the friendly offers contained in it. Some Gentlemen here and in Jersey [h]ave it in Contemplation to form a Society to promote the Breeding of good Horses and mules—in that Case we will endeavour to introduce some Jennies, of which we have none at present, and send them to your Jack. The Constitution still continues to...
84An Address to the People of the State of New-York on the Subject of the Constitution, Agreed Upon at Philadelphia, the … (Jay Papers)
THERE are times and seasons when general evils spread general alarm and uneasiness, and yet arise from causes too complicated, and too little understood by many, to produce a unanimity of opinions respecting their remedies. Hence it is, that on such occasions, the conflict of arguments too often excites a conflict of passions, and introduces a degree of discord and animosity, which, by...
85From John Jay to Benjamin Franklin, 28 March 1788 (Jay Papers)
M r . Ellicot delivered to me your very friendly Letter of the 15 th . Instant. I wish he had found it convenient to have staid a little longer with us, for previous Engagements prevented my passing so much Time with him as I should otherwise have done. I promised myself much Satisfaction from his Conversation, and also more accurate and extensive Information respecting our western Country &c...
The Secretary of the United States for the Department of foreign Affairs, to whom was referred a Letter to him of the 18 th December last from the Minister plenipotentiary of the United Netherlands, Reports. That in this Letter the Minister complains, that one of his Domestics had been arrested by a Constable of this City named John Wessel, in pursuance of a Warrant issued by John Wiley Esq r...
87From John Jay to George Washington, 24 March 1788 (Jay Papers)
M r . Jay presents his Compliments to his Excellency General Washington, & sends him herewith inclosed the 1 vol. of the Fœderalist— AL , DLC : Washington ( EJ : 10394 ). Endorsed. Dft , NNC ( EJ : 8425 ). Dft
88Report on Relations with Portugal, 12 March 1788 (Jay Papers)
The Secretary of the United States for the Department of foreign Affairs, to whom was referred a Letter from Col l . Smith of the 12 th Septem r last with the Papers that accompanied it, Reports.— That they contain a Detail of Occurrences and Observations in the Journey he made to Lisbon, to deliver the Letter of Congress to the Queen of Portugal. It appears from them that he was well received...
To the People of the State of New-York. IT is a just and not a new observation that enemies to particular persons and opponents to particular measures, seldom confine their censures to such things only in either, as are worthy of blame, unless on this principle it is difficult to explain the motives of their conduct, who condemn the proposed constitution in the aggregate, and treat with...
90Draft of The Federalist 64 [I], [before 5 March 1788] (Jay Papers)
It is unhappily the y Case both with Respect to measures and to Persons that their opponents seldom confine their Censures to those ^ such ^ Things only which ^ as ^ are worthy of Blame—unless on this Principle it is not easy ^ difficult ^
91Draft of The Federalist 64 [II] [before 5 March 1788] (Jay Papers)
Altho the People at large may sometimes by Negligence or [ that Im ?] other Causes be led to into imp indiscreet appointments yet Experience tells us that the State Legislatures very seldom lose Sight of their ^ obvious ^ Interests, and or commit their management to men in whom they have ^ little or ^ no Confidence—It is natural therefore to presume that in chusing their Senators they will...
92Report on a Proposed Response to Moustier’s Speech at His Reception by Congress, 21 February 1788 (Jay Papers)
The Secretary of the United States for the Department of foreign Affairs having received a copy of the Speech which Count de Moustier purposed to make on Tuesday the 26 th . February instant, reported the following answer to it Viz t . It will always give us pleasure to acknowledge the friendship and important good Offices which we have experienced from his most christian Majesty, and your...
93To John Adams from John Jay, 14 February 1788 (Adams Papers)
As this Letter will go by the way of Ireland, and may be exposed to accidents in the Course of its Route, I decline entering into Particulars; but as the long Recess of Congress who are now again convened, makes it necessary that the enclosed Letters of Recall should be transmitted without Delay, I think it best to send one set by this Conveyance, & to forward Duplicates by another vessel...
94To George Washington from John Jay, 3 February 1788 (Washington Papers)
an English Gentleman having been so obliging as to procure for me some Rhubard Seed which, from his account of it, there is Reason to believe is of the best kind, I take the Liberty of sending you a little Parcel of it—If the seed prove good you will soon be able to determine whether it will flourish in your climate, & in what Soil & Situation best. It is a prevailing and I believe a just...
95From John Jay to George Washington, 3 February 1788 (Jay Papers)
An English Gentleman Having been so obliging as to procure for me some Rhubarb Seed which from his account of it, there is Reason to believe is of the best kind, I take the Liberty of sending you a little parcel of it—If the Seed proves good, you will soon be able to determine whether it will flourish in your climate, & in what Soil & Situation best— It is a prevailing and I believe a just...
We have hired for a Year the new House of the honorable Walter Livingston Esquire in the Broad way, for the Offices of foreign affairs and of War, at the rate of £250 and the Taxes. As we shall not have occasion for all the Rooms, it may perhaps be convenient to you to place one or more of the Officers within your Department in the supernumerary ones. We have the honor to be &c a . LbkC , DNA:...
97From John Jay to Matthew Ridley, 4 January 1788 (Jay Papers)
I have been favored ^ with ^ yours of the 6 of last ^ month ^ and am happy to learn from it, as well as & from others recd. ^ by ^ M rs . Jay, that M rs . Ridley’s
Your Excellency’s ^ Letter ^ was delivered ^ to ^ me this morning. The interpretation of the Council appears to me to be right. I however regret that there was room for doubt; for in my opinion the command of American Vessels should be confined to American Citizens. I have the honor to be with great Respect & c . LbkC , DNA: Domestic Letters Domestic Letters of the Department of State,...
99From John Jay to John Vaughan, 1 December 1787 (Jay Papers)
I thank You for your obliging Letter of the 24 th . Ult:, inclosing a Paragraph respecting me in M r Oswalds Paper of the same Date— You have my authority to deny the Change of Sentiments it imputes to me, & to declare that in my opinion, it is adviseable for the People of America to adopt the Constitution proposed by the late Convention—If you should think it expedient to publish this Letter,...
To the People of the State of New-York. QUEEN ANN, in her letter of the 1st July 1706 to the Scotch Parliament, makes some observations on the importance of the Union then forming between England and Scotland, which merit our attention. I shall present the Public with one or two extracts from it. “An entire and perfect Union will be the solid foundation of lasting peace: It will secure your...